The Newsletter for the 28th Sunday of the Year - Year A
Young Adults’ Group (18-35) Tuesday
The next meeting of the Young Adults’ Group is Tuesday 13 October, continuing our series of talks on the seven Sacraments. Fr. Edward Toner will be presenting on the sacrament of Confession. For further details of the ongoing series, kindly see the poster at the back and join the WhatsApp channel using the QR Code on the poster. The Young Adults’ Group meets in 63 York Place (around the corner from the Cathedral) every Tuesday, it’s a great way to meet other young Catholics in the city, and to grow in knowledge and love of the faith. New members are very warmly welcome!
Rosary in October
Rosary at the Cathedral After Weekday Masses
Monday-Friday in October the Rosary will be prayed after the 10:00am Mass. We will also continue our regularly scheduled Rosary before the 12 noon Mass and at 1:30pm by Our Lady’s Altar.
Polish Rosary, Mass and Eucharistic Adoration
From Monday-Friday, the Polish community at the Cathedral will pray the Rosary at 5.40pm, followed by 6:00pm Polish Mass and then Eucharistic Adoration will be held from 6:30pm to 6:45pm.
Rosary at Ravelston
We will pray the Rosary in October at St Andrew's, Ravelston after the 6:00pm Mass, Monday-Friday. We are in need of leaders for each weekday for the praying of the Rosary. To lead the Rosary one day a week at St. Andrew’s, please e-mail cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk or sign up on the sheets in the back of church. Thank you!
“Love the Rosary and recite it every day with devotion.” St. Pius X, Sacramental Preparation for Children not in Catholic Education
Children who have been baptized but are not in Catholic education and are now at an age to make their sacraments are invited to collect an information letter and registration form from the Sacristy or the Parish Office. Please email cathedralhouse@stmaryscathedral.co.uk to receive a form by email. Kindly complete the form and return it to the parish office directly. As children outside of Catholic education do not receive catechesis in school, the parish provides sacramental preparation classes at St Andrew’s Church in Ravelston, the details of which will be made available following registration. As a guide, Primary 3s are prepared for First Confession, Primary 4s for First Holy Communion, and Primary 7s for Confirmation.
Neocatechumenal Way Catechesis for Adults & Young People
Attend the Neocatechumenal Way Catechesis for Adults & Young People, every Monday and Thursday at 7:30pm in 63 York Place EH1 3JD. Come and listen. Christ is risen! Inquiries: Ian at ijmcgoldrick@gmail.com
Saturday Morning Mass, Confession and Eucharistic Adoration
Weekly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held at the Cathedral on Saturday mornings, after the 10:00am Mass. Adoration is from 10:30am-12:00pm concluding with Benediction, with Confession available during that time. Come to adore the Lord Jesus, and be strengthened by His Real Presence in the Eucharist.
St. Andrew’s, Ravelston: Wednesday Adoration, Confession and Mass
Every Wednesday evening at St. Andrew’s, Ravelston we have Eucharistic Adoration with Confessions 5:00pm-5:45pm, followed by 6:00pm Mass. In October, we will pray the Rosary after Mass Monday-Friday.
All Hallows E’en (well almost) Quiz night: Tickets on Sale Today
The final fundraising spectacular Quiz Night for this year will be Friday 30th October. The evening will begin at 6.30pm sharp in Coffee Saints. All monies raised will go to the Cathedral building fund. Lucy, our resident quiz meister extraordinaire, will set her usual eclectic mix of music and general ignorance questions and there will be themed rounds featuring all of your favourite subjects. There will be prizes galore! Tickets will go on sale after Masses this weekend. Get them while you can! These are priced at a very reasonable £10 per person and you may form teams of up to 6 persons or simply take a pot luck approach and join a team on the night! You can reserve tickets by emailing Deacon Peter (deacon@stmaryscathedral.co.uk) for collection at the event. Payment by cash or card.
Friendship Group: Coffee Afternoon
The Friendship Group Coffee Afternoon is on Tuesday, 13 October at 2:00pm-3:30pm in Coffee Saints. Open to all over 60; enjoy a 20% discount during the Friendship Group meet up. Please note that the discount is valid during the session time only, and other discounts are not applied during the session.
St Pauls Bookshop: 2027 Catholic Calendars and Diaries, Rosaries and Cases
2027 Catholic calendars and diaries are available in the Cathedral’s St Pauls Bookshop. In this month of the Holy Rosary, shop for a beautiful rosary and rosary case for your own prayer or for gifts for family or friends. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm, closed on Mondays. 0131 510 4260, edinburgh@stpauls.org.uk
World Mission Sunday Special Collection Next Weekend
Next Sunday (18th) we have the annual special collection for the 100th World Mission Sunday. This year’s theme, chosen by Pope Leo XIV, is One in Christ, United in Mission. Our prayers and donations will support missionaries and communities in need. Here in Scotland our collection will support Missio Scotland’s projects in Albania and Ukraine. Donations can also be made online at missioscotland.com/donate
Additional Support Needs Mass
Those with additional support needs of all ages and their families/carers are invited to a special Sunday Mass on 11 October at 2pm in the quiet, beautiful Chapel of St Albert the Great at 23/24 George Square Lane, Edinburgh, EH8 9LD. Mass will be celebrated by Father Jamie McMorrin.
Donating Electronically
For another, cash-less, option to donate to the weekly offertory, use https://bit.ly/Donate-StMarysCathedral. You can also add Gift Aid to make your donation go even further. Thank you!
Tax deductible donations for US Citizens
The Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh is pleased to confirm that we have partnered with the Chapel & York US Foundation to accept donations for our benefit. This partnership allows us to save on the costs required to operate our own dedicated entity while still providing you the opportunity to support the Archdiocese with tax-effective donations in the United States, meaning your gift stretches further, allowing us to accomplish even more. For details of how to make a US-tax deductible donation through the Chapel & York US Foundation, please contact our Finance Officer, Caroline Reid, at finance@stmaryscathedral.co.uk
Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood
All are welcome to a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration 6:30pm-7:30pm to pray for Vocations to the Priesthood tomorrow Monday, 12 Octoer in the convent chapel of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, next to St. Andrew’s Church, Ravelston. The Holy Hour will begin immediately following 6:00pm Mass. Holy Hours will be on the 2nd Monday of the month thereafter.
White Mass for Healthcare Professionals
A White Mass for Catholic healthcare professionals will be celebrated on the Feast of St Luke, patron saint of healthcare workers, on Sunday 18 October, 11:00am at St Patrick’s Church, Cowgate, Edinburgh.. It is open to all healthcare workers and offers a chance to come together in prayer, give thanks for the vocation of caring for others, and meet fellow Catholics working across healthcare. After Mass, please stay for refreshments and an opportunity to meet and network with others. Register at bitly/whitemassedinburgh
‘Catholic Conversations’ for Women on the Rosary
All women are invited to join ‘Catholic Conversations’ next Saturday, 17 October, 3:45pm-4:45pm in the St. Andrew’s Parish rooms (77 Belford Rd, EH4 3DS) for refreshments and a short video with discussion, as we look at how the mysteries of the Rosary are rooted in Scripture. Participants are also welcome to join the Religious Sisters of Mercy at their convent for Holy Hour with Adoration, Rosary and chanted Vespers from 5:10pm. To register please emailedinburgh@almamercy.org or call 0131 343 3380.
Celebrate with the Sisters of Mercy
The Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan, are celebrating 10 years in our Archdiocese. Join them Tuesday, 20 October, 6:30pm–8:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB for a short documentary about the Sisters and their community life, Q&A, pizza and conversation. Please register at bit.ly/dinnerdoc.
Catenians Meeting for Catholic Men
The Catenian Association invites all Catholic men to their regular meeting on Wednesday, 21 October at 7.00 p.m. in 63 York Place The Catenians are an international body of Catholic laymen who meet once a month and offer friendship and support to Catholic men and their families at all stages of their lives. For information contact John Russell on 01555 728032 or visit https://thecatenians.com/become-a-member/
Religious Fundamentalism:What happens when the state and religion are formally linked?
Friday October 23rd at 6.30pm (Venue: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EL) Tickets £10 to include a drink and time for discussion. Tickets from Eventbrite https://bit.ly/4izonDK or albertus.scot 'The Global rise of Christian Nationalism' Dr Naomi Haynes has a fascinating account of the first state to declare itself as a Christian nation. What are the implications of this? Her colleague, Dr Moyukh Chatterjee (both from the University of Edinburgh) moderates the event and will add his thoughts on religious nationalism in India. The event is organized by the Albertus Institute (albertus.scot) which promotes public discussion at the intersection of faith, ethics, science and other intellectual disciplines.
Catholic Medical Association for Students and Professionals
Catholic Medical Association is a Catholic community for healthcare students and professionals across Scotland, supporting encouraging and equipping them to live out our faith in medicine. Healthcare students, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, healthcare scientists and other healthcare professionals are welcome for faith and spiritual support, fellowship, events and opportunities to get involved. Contact Isla Tierney, medical student at University of Edinburgh, isla.tierney@icloud.com. Register your interest online at bit.ly/CMAScotland
Catholic Families Event: National Family Conference in Coatbridge
Catholic families across Scotland are invited to the National Family Conference on Saturday, 24 October, 2026 at St Augustine’s Parish Centre, 12 Dundyvan Road, Coatbridge, ML5 1DQ. The day is organised by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Marriage, Family and Life Office and begins with registration (9.00-9.30) and includes talks for adults, children’s catechesis, Holy Mass, Adoration and a ceilidh afterwards! Book online: https://bit.ly/NationalFamilyConference-24Oct26. Contact Emma McGowan, emma.mcgowan@marriagefamilyandlife.org.uk.
Edinburgh Street Pastors - Recruiting Now
Are you interested in being part of an organisation which provides care and help to people in need on the streets of Edinburgh? Are you a Christian moved by the parable of the Good Samaritan - and want to be that person? Edinburgh Street Pastors is recruiting volunteers now to be part of the growing work, sharing God’s love on the streets of Edinburgh. Our next training starts 23 October 2026 Want to know more? Then e-mail us: edinburgh@streetpastors.org.uk or call 07523 267906.
Edinburgh Day for Life
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) Edinburgh West is holding its first Day for Life on Saturday 31 October, 9.30am–3.30pm, at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh EH9 1BB. Include talks from Dr Calum MacKellar, Margaret Akers and Chris McEleny. Register for this free event at bit.ly/dayforlife
Mass for the Faithful Departed
Archbishop Cushley will offer Holy Mass for the repose of all the faithful departed who have died in the Archdiocese in the last year, especially those buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Edinburgh. This will take place on All Souls’ Day, Monday 2 November, at 10:00am in the Cemetery Chapel at Mount Vernon Cemetery, 49 Mount Vernon Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 6JG.
Teams of Our Lady Parish Group for Married Couples
Teams of Our Lady is a Christian movement focused on married spirituality, helping couples deepen their sacramental marriage and grow in faith together. A group based in the Cathedral parish is open for new members to join. For more information see https://teamsgb.org.uk/ or speak with Father Jeremy.
Brain Health Research in Scotland: Could you or someone you know take part?
Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease? Scottish Brain Sciences in Edinburgh offers opportunities to take part in brain health research, access specialist support, and learn about clinical trials. To find out more, please visit https://brainsciences.scot/register-interest-form/ or email participation@brainsciences.scot or call 0131 353 0233.
‘Made for Communion’: Faith Winter Session for Young Adults
The Faith Movement's Winter Session for Young Adults, ‘Made for Communion’, is at beautiful Stonyhurst College, 2-4 January 2027. The session attracts scores of young Catholics from all over Britain and offers a unique blend of catechetical, spiritual and social activities in a relaxed holiday atmosphere. It follows a central theme which is developed over the three days by a series of lectures and discussions. The event includes daily Mass, Morning and Night prayer. Please register online by 6th December at https://www.faith.org.uk/events
Job Vacancies: Aid to the Church in Need
Could you be a voice for the suffering Church? Aid to the Church in Need is looking for Parish Appealers. This is a self-employed, remunerated role with full training and support.To learn more, contact Peter Diamond at peter.diamond@acnuk.org or 07706194811 or visit acnuk.org/jobs.